15 Days to Slow the Spread

Yesterday I learned that today is Day 9 of the 15 Day Coronavirus Plan.  The Plan began on March 16th and will end of March 31st. 

I was amazed that we are 9 days into a 15 day plan and I didn't realize it. I guess they are making up things as they go along. I tried to watch the near daily coronavirus news conference last evening which went well over an hour. I am not sure what the point was because it seemed to ramble. I was struck by the dichotomy of the president saying we will reopen the country in weeks not months when earlier in the day others were saying to expect the coronavirus measures to last months and not weeks. 

Which is it? 

On the personal front, the battle continues. What is the battle against? Well, it is not so much against the virus as it is against the feeling of confinement and isolation. 

We have to do a better job fighting isolation. 

Yesterday the Governor of Maryland closed all non-essential businesses. Interestingly, liquor stores are considered essential, while golf courses are non-essential. I can practice good social distancing on a golf course--I am usually the one not on the fairway.

I note that the original Orioles Opening Day is two days away on March 26th. I am at least happy that I was able to get to Spring Training and see some Major League Baseball already this year. 

I can only wonder what today will bring.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 23, 2020

1. It is the beginning of the second week of coronavirus lockdowns and closures. It is also the next-to-last Monday of March. 

2. We must continue to have faith in others and ourselves to do the right things to help stem the rise in COBID-19 cases. 

Lake Bogoria, Kenya, is a Flamingo paradise
 with the largest population
 of Flamingos on earth.

3. My sister sent me the picture at the right containing a myriad of flamingos, just to brighten my day. Yes, for some reason I love flamingos they are pink and they wear it well. 

4. Being home is a good time to get the spring cleaning projects accomplished. Especially while the weather is good. Chris and I cleaned the garage!  

5. I was happy to fly Radio Flyer, my drone, last week  when the weather was especially nice. I enjoy slipping the surly bonds of earth, even of only vicariously in my drone. 

6. I especially want to point readers to the first two items under headlines--they are especially significant articles. The second one was written by John Meacham. 

7. Be safe and well during this period of concern about the spread of COVID-19. Don't do dumb things!

8. Today in History. On March 23, 1839, the initials “O.K.” are first published in The Boston Morning Post. Meant as an abbreviation for “oll korrect,” a popular slang misspelling of “all correct” at the time, OK steadily made its way into the everyday speech of Americans.

During the late 1830s, it was a favorite practice among younger, educated circles to misspell words intentionally, then abbreviate them and use them as slang when talking to one another. Just as teenagers today have their own slang based on distortions of common words, such as “kewl” for “cool” or “DZ” for “these,” the “in crowd” of the 1830s had a whole host of slang terms they abbreviated. Popular abbreviations included “KY” for “No use” (“know yuse”), “KG” for “No go” (“Know go”), and “OW” for all right (“oll wright”).

Headlines

No Empathy, Only Anger - The Atlantic

We Can’t Let Coronavirus Postpone Elections - The New York Times

The U.S. shut down its economy. Here’s what needs to happen to restart it. - The New York Times

Venezuela prohibits company layoffs and suspends credit collections over coronavirus - Reuters

Dollar surges on funding crunch as virus roils global equities - Reuters

Senate fails to advance $1.4T coronavirus emergency package - OANN

US senators accused of coronavirus insider trading are a symbol of moral bankruptcy - The Guardian

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

One of the oldest truths in the world is that nothing worth having is cheap. And many times, the greater the good, the higher its cost. Keeping America free has cost us dearly over the centuries. Since 1776 we as a nation have lost thousands of lives and suffered thousands of injuries to guarantee our freedom. Preserving the peace also requires the daily toil of millions of men and women who, without fanfare and glory, serve to protect our freedom and security.

The men and women in our armed services are our final protection against those who wish us ill. The soldier, the sailor, the airman, and the marine in the United States and around the world are the ultimate guardians of our freedom to say what we think, go where we will, choose who we want for our leaders, and pray as we wish.

It is sad that these rights, which should belong to all people, are not fully enjoyed by most of the human family. It is sadder still that some in the world view such freedom as a threat to their right to rule over their fellow citizens, and so long as that's true, we can't afford to take our freedom for granted. It cannot survive without protection.

-- Radio Address to the Nation on Armed Forces Day, May 15, 1982

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Time Out! Spring Arrives--Don't Miss It!

Perspective of a Flowering Crab Apple Blossom
View 1
Elkridge, MD
March 21, 2020

I hesitate to say this, but I have been enjoying daily walks with Chris and the dogs watching the Spring arrive in the flowers and the trees. It truly is one of the most beautiful times of the year here in Maryland and I am glad that I can enjoy it this year along with suitable weather for being outside. I remember that last year it was cold and rainy most all of the time. 

Perspective of a Flowering Crab Apple Blossom
View 2
Elkridge, MD
March 21, 2020

On our walk yesterday, which came after filling the truck with junk and visiting the county landfill/recycling center followed by a short stop for my biweekly allergy shot, I was captured by the sight of the crab apple trees in full bloom against the sky. It made my spirit soar during a time when all of the news seems dire. Spring is here! I am usually one of the greatest celebrants of the season which officially ends the time of darkness--but this year it seems that the darkness, metaphorically, has found a way to continue. 

I was thrilled to see the blossoms dancing in the wind illuminated by the bright sunlight during my daily walk. Despite the dogs thinking I was crazy to stop, I decided to take a couple images of the blossoms just to remember the day and to escape the coronavirus news for a few moments. 

All-in-all it was an unusual Saturday. There were no sports to attend, coach, or watch on TV. Remember, this is the time normally devoted to March Madness and the only madness is that of those of us who would normally be glued to our TV's watching the tournament. And so, in the absence of a suitable diversion, I finished spring cleaning the garage and determined that I have enough hazardous stuff around the house to justify another run to the landfill next week when the hazardous recycling center is open. 

As we are all minimizing contact with others, don't forget to take a time out and notice the springtime. It will be a welcome diversion from the news of the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

What Will Become of 2020?

The cancellations are mounting in dramatic fashion and 2020 has become the year of COVID-19 and cancellations. 

Cooperstown Dream Park

The most recent cancellation, which affects me, is the 2020 Cooperstown Dreams Park Season. I have been working with a dedicated group of boys and parents since last August to prepare for a weeklong tournament in Cooperstown, NY, competing with teams from across America in the annual 12U Baseball Tournament. It is a real kick in the solar plexus that the tournament was canceled. I am not sure, at this point, if baseball will ever resume, but we had been practicing over the winter to keep the team in baseball shape. 

Bleeding Hearts
My Garden
Elkridge, MD
March 20, 2020

That cancellation, along with the cancellation of my two-week Italy trip radically changed my 2020 calendar and suddenly, I have vacation time available. Now if I could just get all of the money back that I have spent in airfare and accommodations. That, however, is a saga for a different day.

It seems that I have nowhere to go. Wait! I have a condo in Florida!!

This has become a really self-centered blog this morning, but I am pretty sure many others out there have similar stories of changed plans and cancellations.

What it means to me is that I need to grasp that the COVID-19 fight is not a short-termed event. I am concerned that we are in for a siege of "Middle Ages" proportions. 

What ultimately will become of 2020? 

Well, Spring is here! It arrived almost unnoticed under the COVID-19 cloud. The flowers and trees are blooming and the days are longer and warmer. I have been outside more and even enjoyed dinner on the screened porch last evening watching the sunshine fade as the day passed into twilight.

Here is my motto to survive: Find the good, or at least the promising, amid the disappointments.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Encouragement from the Past

I watched movie set during WW2 the other day, no it was not Patton. 

Churchill studies reports of the action that day
with Vice Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay,
28 August 1940, © IWM (H 3508)

I was, however, reminded of the dire circumstances being faced by the British, especially after Dunkirk, and I recalled a very famous speech made by Winston Churchill to demonstrate the resolve of the British people in the face of Hitler's armies. So I went and found a transcript to read.

It was an inspiring address--but it was the last paragraph which spoke to me. As I hunker down now, alone but yet still inextricably entwined with my community I felt a sense of encouragement in reading the words and changing, in my mind, references to the Germans to COVID-19. And even the very last sentence apparently still rings true given what is happening with COVID-19 across Europe.

Winston Churchill's complete address delivered on June 4, 1940,  to the House of Commons, titled We Shall Fight on the Beaches is at the link.

I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old. 

I highlighted a couple of really important points that the Prime Minister made.

We must each do our part and we must also consider how the actions we take today could affect ourselves or others tomorrow or in two weeks.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Escaping Coronavirus

Me Sitting on the Car Flying
RadioFlyer
Elkridge, MD
March 18, 2020

Chris Retrieving Golf Balls that She Just Hit
Radio Flyer, Elkridge, MD
March 18, 2020

Another day played out in America. The COVID-19 pandemic continued and I grew more weary of hearing about it everywhere I went and on every news show. I had a medical appointment in the afternoon and it felt as if I was walking into a biohazard zone, but I was comforted in the care they took to keep everyone safe.

It's a pandemic, got it! 
It's bad, got it!

I needed a moment of escape. So what did I do? I took to the air with Radio Flyer, my trusty drone, to get some images of the Springtime and escape the pervasive reality for a few minutes. It was a 12 minute flight achieving a maximum altitude of 48 feet--not even higher than the tallest trees. It was the first flight since December 14, 2019. 

Bartlett Pear in the Neighbors Yard
Radio Flyer, Elkridge, MD
 March 18, 2020

A Tree in Full Bud Preparing to Leaf
Radio Flyer, Elkridge, MD
March 18, 2020

The flight was not about time nor distance, but rather documenting the arrival of Springtime. 

And it was a nice Spring day! Although the temperatures were a bit cool, the sun shone for much of the day and we began working around the house doing those springtime projects that just need to be done. 

It was Day 3 of America under COVID-19 siege. But my spirits flew with my drone, at least for 12 minutes, and then it was off to my medical appointment. 

Someday I hope we will all look back and remember these weeks as the time when we grew together as a nation against the unseen evil. But, for now we need to band together one day at a time and, when we can, find healthy ways to escape the dire news and restrictions on everyday life. 

We are all in this together.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The New Normal

For the moment, I remain a member of the employed and working portion of our society, despite the increasing numbers of my friends and acquaintances who have thrown off the daily grind for retired life at the beach, or elsewhere. I remain aware Monday's arrival and look forward to Friday afternoons. 


With the country hunkering down to combat the virus, I have noticed that the roads are less congested during the first two days of this week. Of course the schools and many businesses are closed which significantly reduces the amount of morning and afternoon traffic. The lack of sports activity as a diversion is a very real problem--we all still speak of sports, like it was something that ancient civilizations used to have. 

The stock futures are down again this morning after yesterday's rally. I guess it was to be expected. The down-up-down pattern will continue, I guess. 

The news just gets worse, it seems, with each passing day. 

Keep up hope! We are all in this together, even though we have to maintain social distancing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

As America Slows

Day 2 of the coronavirus forced social distancing commences today. Maryland shuttered more businesses yesterday in an attempt to stem the advance of the virus. 

An aerial view shows an area of South Beach
that the city closed in an effort to prevent the spread
of the coronavirus on March 16, 2020 in
Miami Beach, Fla. Miami Beach city officials closed
the area of the beach that is popular with college
 

spring breakers and asked them to refrain from large
gatherings where COVID-19 could spread.An aerial view shows an area of South Beach that the city closed in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on March 16, 2020 in Miami Beach, Fla. Miami Beach city officials closed the area of the beach that is popular with college spring breakers and asked them to refrain from large gatherings where COVID-19 could spread.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Life is devolving for many people. So far, it is not music worse than a bad snowstorm, but in a couple of days it is going to become very real as more and more services are lost and businesses shut down. I kind of wish that had a nice beach to walk on, which reminds me that even our renters in our Florida condo decided to head to their home early. But wait, some beaches are being closed--which makes no sense to me. But, I guess they don't want the college kids to congregate on the beaches. 

There are rumors of impending dire governmental actions out in the public as the fear of the unknown increases. 

The ABC News Report at the link recaps much of the day's events. 

One aspects of the closures really concerns me--that is the closing of the churches and worship opportunities. During times of crisis, some people turn to the churches for comfort and support, with the closing of worship opportunities, I worry that these people may become disconnected and disconsolate. I know that our church is reaching out aggressively to find and help those in need--and hopefully others are doing the same. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - March 16, 2020

1. Yesterday was the Ides of March. Today marks 30 days until it is time to reckon with the tax man. This is not my favorite countdown of the year. Oh well, render unto Caesar, I just wish Caesar was a bit more responsive and less oppressive about his tax bill. 

2. Welcome to Coronavirus forced social distancing. Will this become the new normal for American society. 

George Gipp

3. I was reminded of this famous quote as a source of inspiration for each of us during the coronavirus crisis: "I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, ask them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy." - George Gipp

4. I watched a movie about a WW2 situation over the weekend and I believe there are parallels between the mobilization of the American populace to fuel the Industrial Complex during the 1940's and the mobilization of the American populace to control coronavirus today. We can do this. There will be sacrifice--but if we believe, we will persevere.

5. The Mall in Columbia is closing in response to coronavirus. 

6. I attended a very nice wine event over the weekend during which I was able to sample a wine which is not going to be released until April 11th.

7. Words of advice. Do not allow yourself to become isolated and solitary. Continue and even increase your communication through phone and other means as you wrap yourself into the cocoon of social distancing.

8. Here is an interesting item--the Fed cut interest rates over the weekend and stock futures are down, again, this morning. Oh wait, I've seen this headline before.

9. Today in History, 1792. The United States Military Academy–the first military school in the United States–is founded by Congress for the purpose of educating and training young men in the theory and practice of military science. Located at West Point, New York, the U.S. Military Academy is often simply known as West Point. Located on the high west bank of New York’s Hudson River, West Point was the site of a Revolutionary-era fort built to protect the Hudson River Valley from British attack. In 1780, Patriot General Benedict Arnold, the commander of the fort, agreed to surrender West Point to the British in exchange for 6,000 pounds. However, the plot was uncovered before it fell into British hands, and Arnold fled to the British for protection.




Headlines

Does Coronavirus Mean the End of Sports as We Know Them? - The New York Times

Calm and compassion: Ministers preach stirring sermons about the coronavirus — in empty cathedrals. - The New York Times

American Airlines cutting international flights by 75% amid demand collapse - OANN

From Eiffel Tower to Moulin Rouge, Paris landmarks close in virus clampdown - OANN

Gasoline becomes more affordable, just when Americans don't need it - Reuters

UK government evokes wartime Blitz spirit for fight against coronavirus - Reuters

Dow futures plunge 1,000 points after Fed cuts interest rate to zero - CNN Business

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

This week, President Reagan on taxes:

“Government does not tax to get the money it needs; government always finds a need for the money it gets.” 

“You can’t be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.” 

“The American people are not undertaxed, the government in Washington is overfed.” 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Coronavirus Survival

Life is about to go onto hold for the next two weeks as we implement social distancing to thwart the spread of the virus. 


Businesses, schools, libraries, activity centers all will be closed--yet, life will and must continue!

A list of Baltimore and Maryland closures it at the link: Closures. 

Chris and I have been working on preparing for two weeks of near isolation, except that I expect to go to work. Baseball practices are, as might be expected, canceled.

Last week Chris was busy stocking supplies for the coming weeks. I was not much help, but I did make sure we have enough wine. Wine is, after all the perfect food! While we cannot live on bread alone, I'm pretty sure we can live on wine alone!

Be well and take care. Remember, even if you are practicing good social distancing--you are not alone!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD